Former President Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions on Mexico over alleged violations of the 1944 Water Treaty, claiming harm to Texas farmers from insufficient water allocations. He asserted that Mexico owes 1.3 million acre-feet of water and criticized the current administration’s inaction. The situation is critical for Texas agriculture, especially in light of severe drought conditions and the reliance on cross-border water supplies.
Former President Donald Trump has issued a warning regarding potential tariffs and sanctions against Mexico due to alleged violations of the 1944 Water Treaty, which mandates the allocation of water from the Rio Grande to Texas farmers. Trump stated on Truth Social that Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water, asserting that the failure to deliver this water is significantly harming South Texas farmers, leading to the closure of the state’s only sugar mill.
Trump emphasized the detrimental impact of Mexico’s actions, declaring, “This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly.” He criticized President Biden’s administration for not taking action, promising that he would enforce compliance with treaties to ensure Texas farmers receive the water they are owed.
He further noted his previous decision to halt water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico adheres to its treaty obligations, stating that consequences would escalate, potentially including tariffs and sanctions, as pressure mounts for Mexico to meet its commitments to U.S. farmers under the treaty. The ongoing dispute has raised concerns about a looming crisis for farmers crucially reliant on this water, particularly for crops like citrus and sugar under severe drought conditions.
With the 1944 treaty requiring Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water over a five-year span, Texas’s agricultural sector, notably its half-billion-dollar citrus industry, is increasingly vulnerable as water shortages intensify. Following a denial of Mexico’s request for additional water deliveries, officials assert that the shortfalls are crippling American agriculture.
Senator Ted Cruz has actively joined the call for accountability, labeling the situation as a “man-made crisis” and pledging to work with the Trump administration to ensure compliance with the Water Treaty. He highlighted the urgency of the matter as Texas farmers face dire circumstances due to Mexico’s noncompliance, seeking effective measures to restore vital water supplies.
In conclusion, the tensions between the U.S. and Mexico regarding water allocations under the 1944 Water Treaty have escalated, with significant implications for Texas farmers. Donald Trump’s recent statements indicate a potential shift towards sanctions to compel compliance, amid grave concerns for agricultural stability in the region. Senator Ted Cruz’s involvement further emphasizes the urgency of this ongoing issue as farmers face critical water shortages due to treaty violations.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
